GREECE, AUSTRIA, ROMANIA, CYPRUS, BULGARIA
2023 – DCP – colore – 116’

Direction: Sofia Exarchou
Screenplay: Sofia Exarchou
Cinematography: Monika Lenczewska (PSC)
Editing: Dragos Aperti, Nikos Vavouris
Set design: Jorien Sont
Music: Wolfgang Frisch
Costumes: Vassilia Rozana
Cast: Dimitra Vlagopoulou (Kalia), Flomaria Papadaki (Eva), Ahilleas Hariskos (Simos), Chronis Barbarian (Thomas), Ilias Hatzigeorgiou (Vladimir), Danai Petropoulea (Mary), Kristof (Sergey), Elpida Orfanidou (Fani), Joanna Toumpakari (Jo), Fay Tzouma (Sonia), Nontas Damopoulos (Dimos), Voodoo Jürgens (Jonas), Vagelis Evangelinos (Argyris)
Producers: Maria Drandaki, Maria Kontogianni in associazione con associated with Kyveli Short in coproduzione con in coproduction with Lukas Valenta Rinner, Laura Sterian, Stelios Kammitsis, Vicky Miha, Ivan Tonev, Sofia Exarchou
Production: Homemade Films (Gr) in coproduzione con in coproduction with Nabis Filmgroup (At), Digital Cube (Ro), Felony (Cy), Ars Digital (Bg)
World Sales: Shellac

Synopsis

Under the hot Greek sun, the animateurs at an all-inclusive island resort prepare for the busy touristic season. Kalia is the leader of the pack. Paper decors, glossy costumes and dance shows fill the stage. As summer intensifies and the work pressure builds up, their nights become violent and Kalia’s struggle is revealed in the darkness. But when the spotlights turn on again, the show must go on.

Director’s statement

“Anima without the “L” comes from Latin and means the soul. The word animateur also derives from anima – the occupation
whose goal is to animate – to cheer up other people, to make them feel happy and alive. I also liked the idea that anima can have a completely different meaning by simply adding the letter L to the end of it, bringing up all the violence and aggression, as well as the intensity and energy of this working environment, the inner struggle of those who work in it, and the significance of their own bodies.”

Awards

2023 Locarno IFF – Competition: Best Performance (Dimitra Vlagopoulou)
2023 Thessaloniki IFF – Competition: Golden Alexander – Theo Angelopoulos  for Best Film, Attrice Actress for Dimitra Vlagopoulou, Crew United Award
2023 Seminci – Valladolid IF Week:  Special Mention of the Jury
2023 Vancouver IFF: Vanguard Award
2023 Cineuropa 37 – Santiago de Compostella:  Best Screenplay
2023 Cork Film Festival: Spirit of the Festival Award –  Best Film
2023 Cinemamed – Brussels Mediterranean FF:  Jury Special Mention, Citizens’ Jury Award, Cineuropa Prize
2023 Les Arcs FF: Best Performance
2024 Mannheim IFF: FIPRESCI Award
2024 Uruguay IFF – New Directors Competition:  Special Mention of the Jury
2024 Cyprus Film Days:  Best Director, Cinematography
2024 LAGFF: Orpheus Award for Best Film, Best Performance
2024 FEST New Directors New Films IFF:  Honorable Mention for directing to Sofia Exarchou and acting to (Dimitra Vlagopoulou, Flomaria Papadaki)
2024 Festival Int. du Film de Femmes de Salé:Special Prize of the Jury, Best Actress
2024 Hellenic Film Academy Awards: Best Film, Director, Screenplay, Actress, Supporting Role Actress (Flomaria Papadaki), Best Editing, Best Sound